Are you stuck trying to figure out what to include in your Common App activities section? I totally get it. When I was working on my application, I had a million things I wanted to say but only 10 slots to fill. Here’s what worked for me.
First off, I started by making a list of everything I did in high school. I tried to think outside the box—clubs, sports, volunteering, part-time jobs, you name it. Then, I categorized them into a few sections: leadership, academic, and community service. This helped me see where I truly stood out.
- Prioritize Impact: I chose activities where I made a real difference. For instance, I was part of a charity fundraiser that raised over $5,000. That story definitely made it onto my list.
- Show Depth: If you can dive deep into a few activities instead of spreading yourself too thin, that’s usually more impressive. I opted to showcase leadership roles where I had the most responsibility and impact.
- Reflect Your Passion: Admissions officers want to see what you genuinely care about. If you are passionate about something, it will show in your writing. I made sure to include a unique hobby of mine—guitar—because it reflects my creativity.
I also found it helpful to get feedback from friends and teachers. They often pointed out things I might have overlooked or suggested new angles to consider. Having a fresh perspective is crucial!
When it was all said and done, I made sure my descriptions were concise yet impactful, highlighting leadership and community contributions. As a bonus, I even included a few eye-catching statistics if they were relevant. Trust me, those numbers can grab attention.
Finally, remember to link your accomplishments back to who you are as a person. Admissions committees are looking for individuals, not just a list of achievements. Making personal connections in your descriptions made my application feel more cohesive.
So, just focus on what matters most to you and don't stress about fitting everything in. What's important is how you express your passion and growth through those activities!